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You might have something in common with Tiger Woods. As a junior golfer, whenever he arrived at a tournament course, he’d ask two questions: “Where is the first tee?” and “What’s the course record?” (See Tiger Woods Hall of Fame acceptance speech, 2022).
If you’re new to golf, you might be asking a similar — though less ambitious — version of that question. Maybe you’re wondering:
- What is a tee box?
- What’s a bunker?
- How do I find the fairway or the green?
This article is your complete guide to the anatomy of a golf course, from tee to green — including hazards, rough, fescue, and even the cart path. Whether you’re heading out for your first round or just want to sound more confident at the course, this guide will help.
What Is the Tee Box?
The tee box is where each hole begins. It’s a small, rectangular or square area with very short grass where you take your first shot (or “tee shot”) on each hole. You’re required to place the ball between the designated tee markers — and this is the only place where you’re allowed to use a tee to elevate the ball.
What Is the Fairway?
The fairway is the stretch of short, neatly mowed grass that runs between the tee box and the green. It’s the ideal place to hit from because it provides a clean lie and consistent surface. A good goal for most players is to get the ball from the tee into the fairway.
What Is the Rough?
The rough surrounds the fairway and is made of longer, thicker grass. Shots from the rough are harder because the grass grabs the clubface, making clean contact more difficult. You’ll often find your ball here if you miss the fairway.
What Is the Green? What Is the Fringe?
The putting green is where each hole ends. It’s the smoothest and shortest grass on the course, and it’s where you use your putter. Be careful on the green — don’t run, and repair your pitch marks if your ball made a dent.
Just outside the green is the fringe, which is slightly longer than green grass but shorter than the fairway. You can still putt from the fringe, and many golfers do.
At the center of the green is the hole, marked by a flagstick or pin. You can choose to leave the flag in or pull it out when putting.
What Is a Bunker in Golf?
A bunker is a sandy area on the course, often placed strategically to guard the green or line the fairway. Bunkers near the green are called greenside bunkers, and those further back are fairway bunkers.
Bunkers are also known as sand traps, though that term is more casual. One key rule: you can’t ground your club in a bunker, meaning you can’t let it touch the sand during your setup or take a practice swing.
💡 Bunker Tip: Open your clubface slightly and focus on hitting the sand an inch or two behind the ball. The sand lifts the ball out.
What Is a Water Hazard?
Water hazards are any ponds, lakes, creeks, or streams on the course. They’re marked by red or yellow stakes:
- Red stakes = lateral water hazard
- Yellow stakes = direct water hazard
The rules for taking relief vary slightly between the two, but recreational players don’t need to stress over the differences. You’ll typically drop a ball near the hazard and take a one-stroke penalty.
What Is Out of Bounds in Golf?
Areas out of bounds (OB) are marked by white stakes. If your ball crosses this boundary, it’s no longer in play. In competition, you’ll need to return to your previous spot and hit again — with a penalty stroke.
Some common OB areas include roads, houses, or fenced-off property that isn’t part of the golf course.
What Is the Cart Path?
The cart path is a designated track for golf carts. It may be paved or made of packed dirt or gravel. If your ball lands on the path, you can take free relief and drop your ball off the path without penalty.
What Is Fescue or Heather?
Fescue (sometimes called heather) is a wispy, tall grass often found on links-style courses — courses built along the coast, especially in places like Scotland. Fescue is beautiful but tough to play from. If your ball lands here, prepare for a challenging shot.
Natural Obstructions on a Golf Course
Golf courses are part of nature — and nature doesn’t always cooperate. You might come across:
- Mulch, dirt patches, mud
- Tree roots, bushes, weeds
- Animal homes or droppings
- Rocks, standing water, bare lies
In most cases, you’re required to play it as it lies, unless the area is marked as ground under repair or meets the criteria for relief (like standing water).
Man-Made Obstructions
Man-made features such as sprinkler heads, yardage markers, fences, buildings, and telephone poles may qualify for free relief — meaning you can drop your ball without penalty.
The rules vary depending on whether the obstruction is moveable or immovable, and whether you’re playing in a formal competition.
Final Thoughts: Know Your Way Around a Golf Course
The better you understand the different parts of a golf course, the more comfortable and confident you’ll feel. From the tee box to the green, and from bunkers to water hazards, these terms are more than just golf lingo — they shape your strategy and experience on the course.
And next time you head to the first tee, you might not be asking about the course record like Tiger… but at least you’ll know where you’re going — and what you’re standing on.